Director, Compensation and Benefits

The Director of Compensation and Benefits (or Director of Total Rewards) is a key strategic leader within the Human Resources team, responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s compensation, benefits, and payroll strategies. This role is not only focused on high-level strategic initiatives but also requires a hands-on approach to ensure operational excellence. As a working director, this individual will be expected to provide direct support and backup for all payroll and benefits processes, stepping in as needed to assist with or execute tasks typically handled by their team. This ensures that the Director remains deeply connected to the day-to-day operations while driving long-term strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Management:

•  Oversee the entire payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness in payroll execution.
• Manage and process payroll, including the administration of complex payroll functions such as union payroll, prevailing wages, and certified payroll.
• Lead and manage the implementation of a standardized and automated prevailing wage and certified payroll process.
• Manage and conduct the payroll setup for any new business entities, including union-related payroll and benefits.

Compensation Strategy:

• Develop, implement, and manage competitive compensation strategies that align with the organization's objectives and market trends.
• Conduct regular compensation reviews and recommend adjustments to maintain competitiveness and equity.
•  Collaborate with senior management to design and implement incentive programs, salary structures, and other compensation initiatives.

Benefits Administration:

• Oversee all employee benefit plans and programs, ensuring they are competitive, compliant, and effectively administered.
• Work with other members of Management to continuously evaluate and improve benefits offerings to meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effective and high-quality benefits.
• Responsible for tactical execution of all benefits administration items

HRIS Management:

• Serve as the direct manager and owner of the Payroll and HRIS system (currently Dayforce by Ceridian).  Responsible for a current functionality and future build out
• Ensure the HRIS is effectively utilized for payroll processing, benefits administration, and compensation management.
• Lead any system upgrades, implementations, or integrations as required.  Partner with functional leads of those integrations

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to payroll, compensation, and benefits, including union-related requirements.
• Prepare and present reports on compensation, benefits, and payroll metrics to senior leadership.
• Stay informed of industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure the organization remains compliant and competitive.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in payroll, benefits, and compensation management, with at least 5 years in a managerial or higher-level role.
• Extensive experience with union payroll and benefits, prevailing wages, and certified payroll processes.
• Hands-on experience with Dayforce (Ceridian) HRIS is highly desired.
• Strong proficiency in XML required
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll, compensation, and benefits regulations.
• Proven leadership abilities, with experience managing and developing a team.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Advanced excel experience required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation.
• Experience with M&A and integrating payroll and benefits systems for new entities.

Work Environment:

This role operates in a professional office environment. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, and other work-related events.

Expected to be in office a minimum of 4 days a week from 8-5 EST.